These are quantified and used to identify possible improvements or changes in production patterns or methods.

LCA is a rapidly developing science and methodologies often do not compare like with like. Numbers are often quoted, but these must be viewed with caution because data from different sources are not truly comparable.

The Food Climate Research Network is a UK research council-funded initiative. Its aim is to understand better how the food system contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and to research and promote ways of reducing them.